Generation of a Rat Monoclonal Antibody Specific for Importin α 3/Qip1

Abstract

Importin α, which mediates the nuclear import of nuclear localization signal (NLS)-containing proteins, is a member of nuclear transport factors. Importin α binds directly NLS and functions as an adapter for accessing the importin β-dependent import pathway. To date, several isoforms of importin α have been identified and classified into three subfamilies in higher eukaryotes. In this study, we report on the production of a rat monoclonal antibody (MAb) against importin α3/Qip1, a member of the importin α family, using a rat medial iliac lymph node method. The MAb 3D10 produced, reacted with both recombinant and endogenous importin α 3/Qip1. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that MAb 3D10 exclusively recognizes importin α3/Qip1 among members of the importin αfamily, in various mammalian cells.